Marine Cadet Admissions Enter Final Phase

The Department of Shipping has announced the results of the eyesight and psychological assessments for candidates of the Integrated Marine Cadet Admission Programme 2025–26, alongside detailed instructions for the final stages of enrolment into government marine academies. The publication of these results marks a decisive step in concluding a multi-tiered selection process designed to ensure that future cadets meet the demanding physical, cognitive, and professional standards required for a maritime career.

The specialised assessments were conducted on 5 February 2026, focusing on visual acuity, colour perception, depth judgement, and psychological fitness, including stress tolerance, decision-making aptitude, and teamwork orientation. Officials explained that these criteria are aligned with international maritime safety practices, given the high-risk operational environment aboard seagoing vessels. Candidates who passed the assessments have now been shortlisted for admission, while those who did not meet the required benchmarks have been offered a structured appeals mechanism to ensure procedural fairness.

Unsuccessful candidates may submit an appeal by 5:00 pm on 7 February 2026 upon payment of the prescribed fee. Appeals will be reviewed centrally at the Department of Shipping on the morning of 8 February 2026. The authority stated that appeals are considered strictly on medical and psychological grounds, with decisions based on re-examination of records and, where necessary, limited reassessment. This mechanism is intended to minimise the risk of exclusion due to administrative error or marginal discrepancies in test outcomes.

Candidates selected directly, as well as those promoted from the waiting list, must complete enrolment at their respective government marine academies between 6 and 9 February 2026, following institutional instructions. Admission is conditional upon passing a final medical examination conducted at the academy, which evaluates general fitness, hearing, cardiovascular health, and overall suitability for shipboard training. A one-off admission fee is payable via pay order in favour of the head of the respective institution.

The government operates marine academies in Chattogram, Barishal, Sylhet, Pabna, and Rangpur, alongside a Marine Fisheries Academy. These institutions provide structured training in navigation, marine engineering fundamentals, shipboard safety, maritime law awareness, and emergency response. Graduates commonly progress to service on domestic and international vessels, contributing to the nation’s maritime workforce and the broader blue economy. Authorities emphasised that timely completion of enrolment is essential, as failure to report within the stipulated period may result in forfeiture of the allocated seat.

Key Dates and Requirements

Prospective cadets have been advised to keep their documentation in order, adhere strictly to the timelines, and remain in contact with the relevant academy offices for procedural guidance. The Department reiterated its commitment to a transparent, merit-based selection process that safeguards both safety standards at sea and equal opportunity for aspiring maritime professionals.